Leyla McCalla (cellist with the Carolina Chocolate Drops)

An original member of CCD who frequently joins their tours, cellist Leyla McCalla also performs as a solo act where uses her insturment to explore the folk music of her parents Haiti, songs of the South & others to perform what she calls Vari-Colored Songs. She's another cellist that makes me wish I stuck with it as a kid, especially as she knows how to "strum" the cello like my first teacher did—it ain't easy, I could never do it.

Love the response, but since I'll get to the Hamilton a little earlier to get a table where I'll have a sign & I'll notify everyone around 6:30 of the table location & how to find me. If you can't make it tonight, please change your RSVP as soon as you can but look forward to meeting all you newbies.

A lot of new AHer's have been signing on & sending me questions, so here's a few reminders/info—I'll be there about 6:45 & send more details how to find me the night of the event—I don't think there'll be much dancing for this one but I'll sit near the small dance floor. The Hamilton is near a Metro, paid (pricey) public parking is next door but you can usually find free parking on a week night just a few blocks away.

Just a reminder Leyla McCalla this Wednesday: while she is the former cellist of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, she also plays the banjo & her latest project is based on the poems of Langston Hughes. The late, great Pete Seeger was a personal friend of Hughes, also recorded his poems & marched together so it's possible there may be a Seeger tribute. Here's McCally doing Hughes' "Lonely House," from the 1930s WPA Opera, "Street Scene."

Hi Lisa—thanks for writing and I will send more info by Thursday but because the Hamilton has a good menu, I plan to be there early and stake out a table for the Meet Up members. While it is always good to get tickets in advance, I don't expect it sell out.

Also, if you've never been to the Hamilton, Metro is generally better—there is a garage next door but it's pricey and if you know the area, you can find free parking a few blocks away but the current forecast for that evening is cold and rainy.

Do you listen to new bands but feel too old to go to their shows? Or, do you tend to go but feel weird about being the oldest person there? There are lots of great shows coming to town and there is NO LAW against grayhairs going to live new music. The solution is to go together. We can strategize ways to stay up beyond our bedtimes!

NOTE: If you are new to or not familiar with DC, and/or are new to the DC showgoing process, please read this page that will give you some pointers on how to make your Aging Hipsters showgoing a pleasant experience:

Create a Meetup Group and meet new people

I decided to start Reno Motorcycle Riders Group because I wanted to be part of a group of people who enjoyed my passion... I was excited and nervous. Our group has grown by leaps and bounds. I never thought it would be this big.